STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- In celebration of National Recovery Month, an enthusiastic group of over 150 people, from teenagers to seniors, including family members and friends, gathered Saturday morning on the FDR Boardwalk in South Beach to participate in a Walk for Recovery and Community Picnic, carrying the message that prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover.

"We're trying to change the face of addiction -- there's no one immune to it," said New Springville resident Sheree Sobel, a social worker at Susan Wagner High School and a member of the parents committee of Tackling Youth Substance Abuse (TYSA), the sponsor of the Walk, along with the Staten Island Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse (SICASA).

"The movement is about education, prevention and treatment," she explained. I have a (24-year-old) son in recovery, and I know what the impact is on families. We need to do a hell of a lot of work on this Island."

"We're here to let everybody know we're proud to be in recovery, and that treatment does work," said Angela Attanasio, director of addiction treatment at Community Health Action and chair of SICASA. "Today is about education and awareness, and removing the stigma," she added.

"This day is about celebrating recovery, and the community stepping up to support people in recovery," said Adrienne Abbate, director of TYSA, a project of the Staten Island Partnership for Community Wellness. "It's critical to have family and community involvement" in the recovery process.

A Dongan Hills resident with a family member in recovery from substance abuse explained why she was participating in the event. "I'm here to find out what's happening in the community and where we're going -- what's the future?" she said, declining to provide her name.

"I want more people to be aware of what's going on," said John, 19, who lives in New Dorp and described himself as "an addict in early recovery." He attends Narcotics Anonymous meetings in Oakwood, where he has learned that "you need to get connected and surround yourself with positive people." Sitting at his side was his brother, James, 13. "We're close, and recovery is helping him," James said.

Ms. Attanasio of Community Health Action and SICASA urged individuals and families seeking help to "call me at 718-808-1428, and I'll direct you to the right place."

Participants in the one-mile walk to Midland Beach included Staten Islanders affiliated with Amethyst House, Camelot of Staten Island, South Beach Addiction Treatment Center, Staten Island University Hospital, and the YMCA.

SAVE THE DATE

TYSA and Staten Island University Hospital will host a seminar -- When You Can't Just Say No: How to Save a Life From Substance Abuse -- at the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation's Health Expo on Sept. 26 at the Hilton Garden Inn.

The seminar, from 1:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., will include a panel discussion about the current substance abuse landscape on Staten Island and how to navigate treatment options. There will also be an opportunity to participate in training to become a Certified Opioid Overdose Responder.